Environmental Pollution and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

By Sultan Ayoub Meo

Environmental Pollution and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a novel resource to understand the global impact of environmental pollution and how it increases diabetes mellitus. Over the past three decades, environmental pollution has been an emerging global public health problem in developing and developed nations. The swift urbanization and industrial revolution increased environmental pollution to a hazardous level. Environmental pollution is a leading risk factor for several well-known diseases. This book opens venues for students, physicians, researchers, the science community, and policymakers to enhance their knowledge about environmental pollution, weather conditions, climate change, and their impact on insulin resistance and mechanisms allied to Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, this book will provide knowledge about the green space environment and its impact on T2DM.

• Offers unique scientific information, facts, and figures about environmental pollution and T2DM
• Highlights the air pollution condition of different countries on various continents and mechanisms allied to developing T2DM
• Provides information about countries highly polluted and countries less polluted, along with the epidemiological trends of T2DM

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Release date: May 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9780443216473

Sultan Ayoub Meo

Prof. Sultan Ayoub Meo is a medical graduate (MBBS) with higher postgraduate degree (M.Phil) and Doctorate (Ph.D) in Physiology. He obtained Fellowship (FRCP) of Royal College of Physicians of London; Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians of Ireland; Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians of and Surgeons of Glasgow and Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, UK. In addition to achieve MBBS, M.Phil, Ph.D and FRCP of four highly respectable Royal Colleges of UK and Ireland, he also obtained a higher postgraduate Degree, Master in Medical Education (M Med Ed), from University of Dundee, Scotland, UK. Prof. Meo received KSU Excellency award in Medicine in year 2017, the honourable governor Riyadh Price Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud honoured Prof Meo with this award. He has been appointed as a Ph.D supervisor and examiner in various universities of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Prof Meo is credited with 10 books and over 165 scientific papers in peer reviewed national / International, pub-med and ISI indexed bio-medical Journals. His research articles Impact Factor is 260. He has published papers in highly reputable journal such as: Science, PLOS ONE, BMC-Medical Education, BMC Complement Altern Med, Medical Teacher, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Lupus, International, International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, European Review of Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, Saudi Medical Journal, JCPSP, Pak J Med Sci, JPMA etc. In Editorial capacity, Prof Meo served as an Associate Editor of International Journal of Diabetes Mellitus, European Review of Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, Italy, Saudi Medical Journal, Saudi Journal of Laparoscopy, Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, USA and BMC Medical Education, London, UK. Prof Meo has been invited as a speaker / key note speaker to deliver talk in more than 120 National / International conferences in different states including Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, China, Turkey, Indonesia, United Kingdom and USA.

Book preview

Chapter 1: Environmental pollution

The dark clouds hovering over our future

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a highly challenging worldwide issue that threatens the global health, and well-being of humans, ecosystems, and economies. This term refers to the introduction of harmful substances or pollutants into the natural environment, causing adverse effects. As industrialization, urbanization, and population growth continue escalating, environmental pollution levels are reaching alarming levels. The major types of pollution which contaminate the human environment involve air, water, soil, noise, light, radiation, thermal, and marine pollution. These are the most significant forms of environmental pollution and can cause severe adverse effects on biological ecosystems, animals, and human health. Environmental pollution and its associated diseases are caused by pollutants that cause their effects according to their type, nature, size, concentration, and duration of exposure. Environmental pollution is a leading risk factor for several debilitating illnesses, including respiratory diseases, coronary artery diseases, endocrine diseases, diabetes mellitus, nervous system disorders, and cancer. Environmental pollution is a silent killer and causes about seven million premature deaths annually. Addressing, mitigating, and combating pollution, will require collective efforts of individuals, societies, and governments. All of them will need to take proactive preventive measures, such as transitioning to cleaner technologies, promoting sustainable practices, adopting renewable energy sources, implementing effective waste management systems, and enacting and enforcing environmental regulations to reduce pollution levels both at the regional and international levels. Moreover, promoting environmental awareness, and educating people about the importance of pollution control can play a crucial role in protecting the environment and preserving human health.

Keywords

Environmental pollution; Health impact; Industrialization; Urbanization

1.1. Introduction

Environmental pollution refers to the contamination or degradation of the natural environment by various harmful substances or pollutants, resulting in adverse effects on living organisms and ecosystems. Environmental pollution has wide-ranging impacts on the planet and its inhabitants. It contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and various human health problems. The swift urbanization and industrial revolution movements increased ecological pollution to a hazardous level. Various sources of pollution can change the composition of air, water, and soil in the environment [1].

There is a core connection between many occupational exposures and environmental pollution [2]. Technological innovation, rapid economic growth, financial development, trade openness, and urbanization all have a profound impact on environmental pollution. Environmental pollution is the contagion of biological, chemical, and physical elements, which adversely affect the everyday environment. Pollution leads to unfavorable changes due to direct or indirect and human-associated activities [3]. Environmental pollutants may be gases, dust, fumes, geochemical substances, biological organisms, chemicals, toxic metals, Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Radiation (RF-EMFR), and radionuclides, as well as physical substances, heat, radiation, and sound waves [4].

The undesirable effects of environmental pollutants directly affect human beings or indirectly via organisms or climate change. Environmental pollution is categorized into several types based on the pollutants' biological, physical, and chemical characteristics. These types are air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, radiation pollution, thermal pollution, marine pollution, and solid waste pollution (Fig. 1.1). All these types of pollution damage the ecosystem and are a source of multiple health hazards. Air pollution is considered the leading health risk factor in the environment, followed by water and soil pollution with heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals. Moreover, the non-chemical environmental health risk factors include noise pollution, neuropsychological stress, light exposure, climatic changes, and traffic noise [4].

In this highly advanced and technology-based modern world, modern technology, new chemicals, and novel energy sources support more facilities but worldwide people are exposed to more complicated health problems. Industry, technology, and science advancements lead to interferences that have influenced modern responses to occupational and environmental diseases. Worldwide, rapid industrialization causes migration of people to urban regions and has an impact on economic growth. However, carbon emissions and the burning of fossil fuels subsequently increase air pollution and contaminate the global environment. The presence of particulate matter (PM), chemicals, aerosols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and aromatic hydrocarbons further enhances air pollution and contaminates the environment [5,6]. All these factors have become causes of climate change.

Fig. 1.1  Types of environmental pollution.

Highly advanced technology has transformed the nature of the work experience has provided many benefits and generates new public health hazards. The swift expansion of metropolitan cities and urban environments has increased the health problems related to air and water pollution. Poor sewerage clearance and disposal systems further worsen the situation. Furthermore, the swift growth of mining and unplanned industries has led to polluted air and water and an excessive number of prevailing environmental and occupational diseases. Environmental pollution-associated diseases are caused by living in an environment, where pollution in air, is influenced by the size, type, concentration, duration of exposure, and biological, physical, and chemical nature of the pollutants in the breathing zone [7]. Occupational and environmental diseases are caused by long-term work exposure to an industrial working environment. Air pollution is a primary type of pollution, which threatens the environment, plants, animals, humans, and living organisms [7]. The World Health Organization has declared that environmental pollution is a silent killer, killing about seven million people each year, or 15.5 people per minute, because of air pollution [8] (Fig. 1.2). Moreover, about 40% of people around the world lack hand-washing facilities, and 92% of people do not breathe safe air. Pollution affects both human health and global economies as 400 billion US Dollars are spent on subsidizing fossil fuel use [8] (Fig. 1.3).

1.2. Sources of pollution

Environmental pollution is the contagion of biological, chemical, and physical elements, which adversely affect the everyday environment. Environmental pollution directly or indirectly introduces gas, liquid, or solid substances that pollute the environment and make it hazardous to life and natural systems. Human-allied events and natural disasters cause air pollution. The three significant sources of environmental pollution include mobile sources including cars, buses, trucks, trains, airplanes, sea ships; stationary sources such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and large and small-sized factories; and area sources including agricultural areas, metropolitan cities, wood-burning fireplaces etc. The air polluting activities by humans such as burning, use of fossil fuels, motor vehicles, toxic gas emissions from power plants, industries, and other anthropogenic activities cause air pollution to reach a threshold that is considered noxious to human health and ecosystems [9].

The severity and composition of air pollution can vary based on the geographical location, weather conditions, population, and human activities in each area. There are multiple sources of air pollution, both natural and human-made, which contaminate the environment. Industrial emissions have been recognized as a substantial contributor to environmental degradation and climate change. Industrial emissions pose significant challenges to environmental and human well-being. Industrial activities (including manufacturing, power generation, and chemical production) release pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), Ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Motor vehicle exhaust emissions from cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution, impair air quality, damage human health, and cause climate change. Power plants, especially those fueled by fossil fuels, contribute significantly to pollution and environmental degradation. The emissions from these plants have far-reaching consequences, including climate change, air pollution, and negative health impacts. Fossil fuel-based power plants, including coal-fired and oil-fired power plants, release substantial amounts of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter [9].

Fig. 1.2  Environmental pollution and mortality (World Health Organization report, 2023). Adopted after permission granted from WHO [8].

Fig. 1.3  The impact of environmental pollution on health and economies (World Health Organization report, 2023). Adopted after permission granted from WHO [8].

Table 1.1

The burning of solid fuels such as wood, coal, and biomass for heating and cooking purposes in households can contribute to air pollution, especially in areas without proper ventilation or efficient stoves. Furthermore, agricultural practices such as burning crop residues, livestock production (animal waste), and the use of fertilizers and pesticides can also release pollutants into the air, including ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide (Table 1.1).

1.3. Air pollution

Air pollution is a significant environmental health issue that affects people worldwide. It is caused by various pollutants and has been linked to a multiple range of health problems. Air pollution and pollutants are characterized into three main groups: natural, human-induced, and industrial-generated pollution. The arrangement and composition of air pollution depends on the type, nature, and source of the production of pollutants, sunlight, and wind conditions. The most common gases which contaminate the air, and their quality are Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Nitric oxide (NO), Ozone (O3), and Sulfur dioxide (SO2). Particulate matter (PM) is a highly toxic component of air pollution, consisting of carbonaceous particles, allied organic chemicals, and reactive metals [10–12]. Moreover, it also contains smoke, dust, pollens, microorganisms, waste, disposal, volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, decaying plants, etc. The emissions from factories, power plants, refineries, and motor vehicles generate oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and volatile organic compounds, Hydrocarbons (VOC); all these substances under sunlight go into a chemical reaction and form ozone These pollutants do not have immigrant borders and particles can travel from region to region and affect the people at global levels [10–12]. These elements are produced from fossil fuels, power plants, oil and gas refineries, and manufacturing factories. Their toxic air pollutants are corrosive and damage ecosystems as well as humans. It is highly alarming that air pollution is greatest in large metropolitan cities, where a considerable population is at risk because of crowded and poor living conditions, automobiles, unplanned industrial zones, burning in landfills, and other polluting activities